The cornerstone for success

KUCHING – Reading is considered as a cornerstone for success, not just in schools but also throughout the life of an individual, said the Principal of SEGi College Sarawak, Madam Elina Tiu during the 1Malaysia Book Voucher Giveaway in the main campus recently.

With the growing amount of digital information available, people particularly young adult are spending more time reading electronic materials and a growing amount of reading time are spent more on skimming and browsing for information on the internet that deviates from the traditional reading method – which are brief, linear and less structured.

The advent of the electronic media is challenging the habit in the society by shifting the attention to computer and television viewing.

“We don’t want our student to perceive reading as a waste of time and they only read for purpose of passing examinations”

The College is aware of the myriad of benefits that can be acquired through consistent reading of high-quality reading material and the positive progressive result that it can induce for the country in terms of intellectual, social, spiritual and personal development.

“In our information-saturated globe, knowledge is constantly being updated and upgraded, wherein previous information would deem obsolete or impractical” added Tiu who then stresses that it is imperative for students to make reading as a pleasurable and continuing habit if they want to keep abreast with the world and have the competitive edge.

“Student should realize that they will have to read continuously even after finishing their formal education”

The College also believe that if the students do not hone this habit, they will not have the initiative to constantly read not only to improve their career standing but also for personal developments in order to become a better and useful citizen.

Tiu also encouraged the students to buy books that are on display in conjunction with the SEGi College Sarawak Book Fair 2012 at the college on the same day.

Two bookstores namely Smart Bookstore and Popular Bookstore were invited to set up exhibition at the fair for the convenience of the students.

“As a higher learning service provider, we appreciate the government’s initiative to ease the students’ book expanses and we seriously hope that the students will spend the voucher wisely”

Commenting on the report on the misuse of the book voucher among varsity students, Tiu warned the students that it must only be used to buy books for their own good and to lighten their financial burden in buying books.

Tabulated into the 2012 Budget last year, it was announced by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak that the government would give RM200 book voucher to all Malaysian students at the public and private higher learning institutions, and those doing matriculation or in Form Six, and the voucher could not be exchanged for cash.